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Wheaton celebrates history during Preservation Week

By NATHAN LURZ -
nlurz@shawmedia.com

May 1, 2014

Photo provided

Caption

This photo depicting the DuPage County Courthouse and Jail in 1910 in Wheaton is one of many that will be on display at the DuPage County Historical Museum during Preservation Week, which begins Friday, May 2.

WHEATON – Residents will soon be able to immerse themselves in Wheaton’s history during the city’s annual Preservation Week, which begins Friday.

The undertaking is organized by the Wheaton Historic Commission, in accordance with several other organizations, and is inspired by the national event of the same name spearheaded by the American Library Association.

Wheaton’s version will feature 10 days of festivities, including downtown walking tours, lectures and signs throughout the community highlighting some of the city’s oldest buildings.

“I think from a community standpoint, it gives us a sense of identity,” said Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk. “The city has been around as an incorporated entity for more than 150 years and was founded back in the 1830s, so this gives perspective of where we come from and gives a good basis for where we’re headed.”

Commission Chair Trent Nichols echoed Gresk’s sentiment, saying the week gives residents a better appreciation of where they come from and who came before.

“I think it appeals to many Wheaton residents, including people who have just moved to the area or longtime people who may just not be familiar with the history,” he said. “I think it can help residents of all stripes become more engaged.”

That sense of shared history has been lost in recent generations, said Wheaton History Center President and CEO Alberta Adamson.

“There are so many people who don’t realize how old Wheaton is,” she said. “There are all these signs downtown that say ‘Historic Downtown Wheaton,’ but they don’t know what that history means.”

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Preservation Week events

Pride in Preservation signs (free)

What: More than 150 buildings identified as historic landmarks will have purple signs highlighting the site's history.
When: Monday to Friday
Where: Citywide
Info: www.wheaton.il.us/about/tour/default.aspx?id=940

What: Author and historian Robert Girardi, past president of the Chicago Civil War Roundtable, will speak about the war in commemoration of its 150th anniversary.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St.
Info: www.wheatonlibrary.org, 630-668-1374

'Discover Wheaton' Mystery Hunt

What: Visitors can search for clues amongst the Wheaton Center for History's extensive exhibits on local people, businesses and government and enjoy a stroll downtown.
When: 1 p.m. May 10
Where: Center for History, 315 W. Front St., second floor
Info: Call 630-835-6584 or email info@wheatonhistory.com to register.

Downtown Wheaton Historic Walking Tours

What: The DuPage County Historical Museum kicks off its annual architecture and kids walking tour programs.
When: Through September by appointment
Where: DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St.
Info: Call 630-510-4941 or email dupagemuseum@wheatonparks.org for reservations.